Benteke hints at Aston Villa exit

The Belgian striker is currently on international duty after a fantastic debut season in the Premier League and has told his country's press that he may seek a move

Christian Benteke's Aston Villa future has been thrown into doubt after he revealed that he "won't necessarily accept" being told he cannot seek a transfer.

The former Genk man is back in his homeland on international duty after a highly successful debut season in English football, during which the €8 million signing struck 23 goals in all competitions.

A selection of Europe’s biggest clubs are thought to be monitoring the 22-year-old, and potential suitors will be encouraged by his recent interview with Nieuwsblad.

The Belgian newspaper quote Benteke as saying: "If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career. With my family I will decide where my future lies."

The striker also spoke to television channel RTBF whilst preparing for the upcoming friendly against USA, telling them: "I’m with the national team for a change and I’ve not thought about that [interest from other clubs].

"When there is something concrete, my agent will let me know."

Paul Lambert recently revealed that the club are preparing a new contract offer that would tie the forward to Villa Park for the forseeable future, but his agent insists that an agreement is yet to be made.

"There were discussions with Aston Villa, but nothing concrete has been achieved at this moment," Erik Kismet told the Birmingham Mail

"He is on duty with the national team and then we have to deal with it after that."